I am only one, but still I am one, I cannot doing everything, but I can still do something.
– E Everett
Yes, it is probably true, on some level that the idea of giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward may seem an impossible task and you may even wonder why would I?
I mean, how can we fit anything else into our already jam-packed schedules? However, volunteering is important for many reasons and does not have to take up too much time. And, in fact, the benefits of volunteering I feel are vast and certainly make up for any time lost watching TV or scrolling social media!
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, but they have the heart.
– E Andrews.
So why? Well, you get to explore interests, meet new friends, become healthier, strengthen your community, learn new skills, do good and become happier.
In short, help make your community a better place and all will benefit.
During 2020, maybe you were feeling lonely, isolated, that work dominated your life and maybe realized you needed to widen your social circle, then why not get involved in your community or if you have recently moved to a new town or neighborhood then community involvement is an easy way to meet new people and it also strengthens your ties to our local community and broadens your support network.
Getting involved connects you to people who have common interests and passions and who could go on to become great friends. This I can write from personal experience, new friends, new interests, and some unexpected doors opening up as a result of just putting my hand up to assist with a town project.
No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.
– Aesop
Do not kid yourself – you are needed to build our community … Depending on where you decide to focus, you will make a real difference in the lives of those who the group serves. Your own life will widen, deepen and be full of laughter (or you are doing something wrong) Believe it or not by giving of your time for a good cause it does wonders for your physical and mental health. Your stress levels are reduced, and your mood improves.
It is amazing also the new skills you learn by getting involved and it is fantastic to discover hidden talent and passion that you can share, which directly improves your self-confidence.
Thought –
Does, by being a resident of town or neighborhood mean at some level we all have a social responsibility to our community?
At some level should we all invest in building a resilient community – community being you, me and well us.
“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
-Winnie the Pooh
Everyone one of us can make a difference. Do not underestimate your potential.
No matter how small your steps are, you have the potential to make a big difference!
If you’ve been thinking of stepping out into the community then now is a good time to take those first steps. Check out your local Newsletter or Facebook page.
If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”
—Winnie the Pooh